More than 1 000 farm workers and farm dwellers will get a rare opportunity to influence future legislation governing their working condition as well as security of tenure.
This will happen during the Farm Workers' Summit to be held in the Western Cape on 30 and 31 July 2010. The summit is organised by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and will be hosted by Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson.
Together with domestic workers, farm workers are some of the most vulnerable section of the South African working class. Whilst a number of measures including legislation have been put in place to protect them, most still do not enjoy some of the most basic social achievements of the democratic dispensation, such as better wages as well as improved and fair conditions of employment.
The summit is a culmination of provincial summits that were held around the country in the past three months. The national summit will consolidate the submissions, which will be handed over to DAFF to use for future legislation.
Said Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, “Far from being a gripe session, the summit aims to take the best lessons and try to emulate them and spread them around the country. It is for this reason that farmers who have been very supportive in improving conditions of their workers, will also share testimonials.”
The summit will recognise some of the sterling work that has been done by some farmers in improving the conditions of their workers. Over and above BBBEE, the summit will also focus on other burning issues of the security of tenure, social conditions and security.
“What we are called upon to do is to act. We are ready to act, but not from above, but with all the constituencies. One of the cardinal precepts informing this government of the fourth parliament is not only a commitment to effective government but also an attention to the style of government. Therefore as we raise the profile of the most vulnerable section of our people, we want to do so with them,” said Minister Joemat-Pettersson.
For more information contact:
P Tsotso Sehoole
Tel: 0 12 319 6043/ 7317
Fax: 0 12 319 7858
Cell: 083 265 8728
E-mail: HCM@daff.gov.za
Website: WWW.DAFF.gov.za
